Joint Media Release with The Hon Warren Snowdon MP - Member for Lingiari

The Minister for Employment Participation, Brendan O’Connor, today officially opened the Central Aboriginal Experiences tourism hub in Alice Springs which will provide support and referral services to Indigenous tourism businesses.

Joining the Member for Lingiari, Warren Snowdon, Mr O’Connor said the aim of the Central Aboriginal Experiences tourism hub will help existing businesses to expand and will increase job opportunities through Indigenous tourism enterprises.

“This significant project will help Central Australian tourism to flourish and will help build the presence of Indigenous owned business across the region,” Mr O’Connor said.

“There is an ever growing market for cultural tours and it’s important that Indigenous Territorians lead the charge in developing new business opportunities.

“Central Aboriginal Experiences tourism hub is a great example of how governments and business owners can work together to support the growth of Indigenous business for now and into the future.“

The project was jointly developed by the Australian Government and Tourism NT. The Australian Government has committed $400,000 to the tourism hub.

â¢ Providing a centralised booking service for all member tour operators. â¢ Helping with office administration. â¢ Fostering links with other businesses and government agencies. â¢ Providing advice on marketing, public relations and communications.

Mr Snowdon said the development of the tourism hubs was part of the Australian Government’s contribution to the development of a sustainable Indigenous tourism industry in the Northern Territory.

“The development of the Indigenous NT tourism industry will create more jobs and business opportunities for Indigenous Australians, and will benefit the whole Territory,” Mr Snowdon said.

The Australian Government is committed to closing the gaps in educational achievement, employment opportunities and life expectancy faced by Indigenous Australians.